It’s a tough question, but one that can’t be avoided: who will face the consequences if Bafana Bafana fail to qualify for the FIFA World Cup because of an administrative blunder?
Bafana still have a chance to secure their place on the global stage. If they manage to win their final two CAF FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe (Friday) and Rwanda (Tuesday) and if other results in Group C work in their favour they could still finish top of the group and book their ticket to next year’s tournament.
Should that happen, there’s a real possibility the controversy around fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March will quietly fade into the background.
The Costly Mokoena Blunder
SAFA’s administrative slip cost the national team dearly. FIFA ruled that Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho would be overturned into a 3-0 loss, docking them crucial three points. SAFA responded by announcing an appeal, while also criticising FIFA’s process a move widely seen as an attempt to deflect blame rather than accept responsibility.
What’s more telling is that in the 279-word statement released by SAFA last month, nowhere did the association acknowledge its own role in the error. Mokoena had received a one-match suspension before the Lesotho fixture but was still fielded.
A Symptom of a Bigger Problem
As IOL Sport writer Smiso Msomi put it, “The Mokoena blunder is not just an unfortunate oversight; it is a symptom of systemic negligence.”
The fact that no one within SAFA flagged such a fundamental issue as player eligibility ahead of a World Cup qualifier raises serious concerns about basic operational standards. In professional football, such oversights are not just embarrassing they can be career-defining.
Bafana Bafana’s Drama: Will Anyone Take Responsibility?
Every South African wants to see Bafana Bafana qualify for the World Cup. But if they don’t, it will be difficult to ignore the avoidable nature of the situation. Whether anyone at SAFA will step up and accept accountability is another matter entirely.
Historically, accountability in South African football administration has been rare, with issues often swept under the carpet. This could be yet another case where responsibility is blurred, and fans are left to bear the frustration.
Related article: Hugo Broos: “Stop the Blame Game, Focus on Winning”
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article do not reflect those of Gauteng News.
